Category Archives: Fiverr

What is the Cloud?

You have probably used the Cloud many times without realizing it, just like you are using it now to read this article. The Cloud is simply the Internet, a worldwide network of data.

I Still Don’t Get It…

Let’s put it this way, anytime you hop on Facebook or check your email, you are participating in the cloud.

So, it’s just the Internet? Why did we start calling it the Cloud?

In my opinion, it all started for the sake of marketing. We needed to re-brand the Internet.

Why does the Internet need to be re-branded?

The Internet hasn’t always been as fast and responsive as it is today. This change in terminology is a sign to the end of an era. We are no longer forced to deal with slow and frustrating experiences caused by dial-up modems, Netscape, and AOL!

Of all things to call it, why the Cloud?

I might have a logical explanation for what is happening here. I want you to consider this analogy:

Think about the electricity that is flowing through your home or workplace. Most people don’t think about the amount of resources it takes to turn the lights on. While electrical engineering might be a discussion for another day, just try to realize the comparison. The amount of resources it requires to flip on a light switch is comparable to the data centers, internet service providers and worldwide networking efforts that have created the foundation of every website and app you use.

Emerging technology is revolutionizing the world we live in:

Television

The current major broadcasting companies and networks will be replaced by Internet-based services like Netflix, Hulu and YouTube. It is hard to say whether the current TV champions will adapt to the changes or simply disappear.

Radio

FM, AM and satellite radios will be replaced by services like Pandora and Spotify.

Telephone

While land-based lines are already becoming a thing of the past, telecommunications will gradually be replaced with video-based communication tools like skype.

Lifestyle

Magazines, Newspapers and general entertainment is already flocking to the web at incredible speed.

Social Influence

Social networking will open your eyes to just how many people there are on this planet. The best friends of the future might not live down the road, or even in the same country as you.

Education

Large schools will disappear over time. They will be replaced with super efficient and effective online learning tools.

The Cloud Brings in the Crowd – Mobs Done Right!

These mobs don’t run around with pitchforks and torches! When I say Crowd, I am referring to crowdsourcing.

Is crowdsourcing the same as outsourcing?

Yes and no. All crowdsourcing is a form of outsourcing, but all outsourcing isn’t crowdsourcing. Crowdsourcing differs from the classic approach to outsourcing in that the work comes from an undefined public rather than being commissioned from a specific, named group.

That didn’t clear it up… what is crowdsourcing?

Crowdsourcing is the practice of utilizingservices, ideas, or content supplied by a large community, and especially from an online network, rather than from traditional employees or suppliers. This tactic is a form of outsourcing and is often used by businesses to increase efficiency and profit margins.

More simply,

Crowdsourcing combines the efforts of a large group of people, where each contributor adds a small portion to the greater result.

To see how business and freelancers can come together and work through crowdsourcing, check out Fiverr.com